Posted in Family Life
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We are leaving tomorrow to go to Ohio with a stop in horse country. My in-laws live in Northern Ohio so we go to see them only twice a year (Thanksgiving week and 4th of July week). We leave tomorrow morning and will stop in Lexington where my sister and her family are meeting us. The kids love to stay in a hotel so they are anticipating that! Then Saturday morning we will head up to Buckeye state. I hope to have pictures and details of our travels after we return on the 11th. Y'all take care! Happy Independence Day!!!! ***If you are on Facebook, feel free to join me on my travels because I have it loaded onto my phone. If you're not my friend on there let me know and I'll add you. You can find me under Farrah Cook Ginter. |
Posted in Healthy Living
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Today is our main errands day this week. I have been out and about alot already this week, but today we are hitting up 5 different places. Today I am going to stop and pray before each place and ask God to help me make the right decisions, purchase the best things, and to help me be a good steward to God's and my husband's money. Do y'all do this? |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
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FOR TODAY... Outside my window...blue sky, little breeze, and hot! I am thinking...that I need to start preparing for winter clothes and Christmas shopping.
I am thankful for...a wonderful God, husband that works hard for us, and healthy children with too much food in our bellies. From the kitchen...homemade bread in the bread machine. I am wearing...gray t-shirt and cotton shorts (cleaning today). I am creating...new chore lists for kids. I am going...to stay home today to clean and organize the house while my van is getting a new axle, oil change, and tire rotation in preparation for our trip. I am reading...new Woman's Day magazine I am hoping...to get everything done without my husband having to tell me. I am hearing...ceiling fan, Andy Williams singing, and Bryson making his breakfast.
Around the house...lots of deep cleaning and organizing. My pantry is atrocious! The ceiling fans are supposed to be light gray not black! One of my favorite things...Sweet Leaf's mint and honey tea A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow take Nick to oral surgeon for consultation on getting his wisdom teeth out, Wednesday errands, Thursday packing and laundry, Friday leave to visit my in-laws in Ohio! Here is a picture thought I am sharing...can't get it on today for some reason.
Sunday- Terryaki hamburgers and fried okra Monday- Oven fried chicken
Tuesday- Meatloaf
Wednesday- Ky Hot Brown
Thursday- Mandarin chicken
Friday- eat out for we will be travelling
***I am only listing main meals because I am letting my kitchen go bare and I'm not sure what I will have exactly for sides.
Breakfasts will be breakfast sandwiches; bacon/sausage and biscuits
Lunches will be leftovers; sandwiches; Sonic $1 menu on Thursday
Packing tuna salad, pimento cheese, potato salad, peanuts, beef jerky, and wraps for trip on Friday
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Posted in soapbox
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In this day and age, it is quite difficult to raise boys to be Godly men. It is especially difficult when they attend public school and are around very un-Godly boys and even some homosexual teachers. Bryson was "told" about sexual acts when he was in the third grade. Nicholas has been encouraged to get piercings and have sexual relationships with girls since the seventh grade. Most people in our neighborhood listen to music that is degrading to women and quite frankly, quite violent. So, what is a woman of God supposed to do to help her husband in raising these two boys to be Godly men. 1. Pray, pray, pray!!!!! Pray for them. Pray with them. Help them to realize that though we love them and are there for them when they leave our nest they will be need to depend on God for everything. For instance, yesterday, Bryson was taking his standardized test (he failed the first time-praying he did well this time) and he was rightfully so nervous. So, I sat him down and we prayed together. I pray daily for he and Nicholas to be safe and for God to send them wonderful helpmeets. 2. Teach them to search the Bible. I love www.biblegateway.com. I have taught them that if they need to find out what God says about a subject to look it up there and then if they'd like they can then see it in the Bible. 3. Marry and then have children with a Godly man. Make sure that the man you marry will be a good influence on your sons together. I am so proud to know that my husband will take the boys for walks and talk to them about anything they are too afraid to talk to me about. 4. Censor their media and friends. In the world today there is so much of Satan that will try to influence your children. Boys especially for they really want to be the cool person. Girls are influenced as well, but they typically have a more of a conscience than boys. Boys want to be known as the coolest person around. We have monitored what they have seen and heard their entire lives (for Bryson, but could not for Nick until he moved here at age 12). My husband loves to sing the song, "Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear....". My stepdaughter has had a difficult time since coming here this summer because of our censoring. Now, Nick usually censors for himself. Bryson is the ultimate in censorship! 5. Last, but not least, make sure the boys know they can come to you. Have their hearts. Earn their respect. Spend time with your boys doing something they like to do. Yet, make sure they have a well-rounded experience with life. Share your time and knowledge with them. Teach them how to build a fort, change a tire, and shoot a gun. Also, learn how to skateboard or in our case hard-core dance and play the Wii. Be there if they need to talk and tell no one (except for your spouse). I hope this has helped you know what we are doing in our home. If you have anything to add please feel free. I love hearing from other Christian Mom's of boys. I would also love hearing how to raise daughters for this is new to us. Have a blessed weekend! |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
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Have y'all been enjoying the fruits this summer? Our peaches are just lucious this year! I just so love the fruits in the summer and yearn for fresh fruits in the winter. However, getting them in the summer makes them so much more special! In my house as soon as I bring home any berries or peaches they are eaten within 2 days! My produce guy, Mr. Johnny, and I have become great friends because of my many visits and he reminds me of my grandfather whom died 12 years ago. What are y'all doing with your fruits? I am looking for a delicious cobbler or crisp recipe. If you have one please share! I also am wondering how many of y'all make your own sauerkraut? If you use the Nourishing Traditions method, do you use a crock? I've tried 3 times to make it without a crock and it never turns out correctly. I'm wondering if it is because of the non-crock usage. Along with sauerkraut, what other fermented vegetables do y'all make? How do you make and store them? Thank you in advance! We are working on eating more towards the Nourishing Traditions typed foods and I just need advice! ~Farrah P.S. I have decided to change the direction of my blog. I am 100% putting it back towards things that are positive and will build up my home. Satan (and poor choices by all) are trying to tear it down. Consequently, I am ridding any and all things that do not bring me closer to God and my home. Thank you for your patience! |
Posted in Family Life
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It's still hard to believe that my baby will be going into middle school this year. I don't know about y'all, but middle school was the toughest 3 years for me. At Bryson's school they make a really big deal out of the 5th graders leaving/graduating. They had a big luau, in which I attended as a helper, a parade around the school where the 5th grade classes walked around the school saying goodbye to their friends, extra field trip, and the graduation. Here are a few pictures of Bryson and his best friend and neighbor, Skylynn.
This is Bryson and Skylynn at the hat race. It made me so proud seeing Bryson be the man and lead her to the finish line!![]() This is Bryson getting his awards and shaking the principal's hand. Bryson won 7 awards! I am so proud of him! Unfortunately, the other pictures were actually worse than this one. I forgot our camera and had to use the camera on my Blackberry.
My prayer is that the Lord will protect Bryson, as well as his brother Nick and sister Michaela, and help me to know how to teach them to be fine upstanding citizens and to love and honor the Lord.
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Posted in Family Life
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This picture reminds me of when ladies would gather around the well or somewhere in town to chit chat about daily things. To me that's kind of what blogs are all about. You chit chat, you share, and you learn. Today, I really just want to talk about stuff. |
Posted in Family Life
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I'm not sure if it is because of the stress of yesterday or the ice storm, I am missing my home and childhood in Kentucky. My childhood was drastically different than my children's childhoods. Sometimes I wish we could have moved to a smaller town in order to raise them, but because of my husband's job we must be urbanites. The boys do have so many opportunities in the big city than they would in the little town in which I grew up. So there are positives and negatives. My parents and sister's family all have electricity, but I have many family members whom do not because of the ice storm that has hit Kentucky hard. If you have lost your power check out the new issue of Mother Earth News for alternative heat. I am ferverently praying that my family members are okay. Luckily several have 4 wheel drives and can go to another family members home that either has electricity or wood burning stoves. Whenever we move-Lord please let it be soon- I hope to have gas and wood only. Like I was saying I am feeling a bit homesick and wanted to share with you some lyrics to a song by the country group Alabama that remind me of my hometown. My biggest influences back then were our church and my Grandmother's. I remember going to the Dairy Queen every Friday night before football games and all summer long with my sunroof open driving down back country roads. It was such a simple time of life and I am so thankful. Down Home Just off of the beaten path |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
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Good Morning Friends! Isn't this day wonderful? The sun is shining, the bare trees limbs are swaying, and I am warm in my heated home. God is SO good! I am so blessed to have warmth in my home and in my heart. In a book I have been reading, Outpost: Releasing your inner wild by MaryJane Butters of MaryJane's Farm. She talks about quinoa being a superfood. I purchased a pail of quinoa from our local grain store, BreadBeckers. I have 1 recipe for Apple Curry Quinoa, but that's all besides the few recipes in the book. Do y'all have any recipes? Oh, and have y'all seen the show Cook's Country on PBS? Oh darlin's it is so neat! Instead of like the America's Test Kitchen which has, in my opinion, off the wall recipes that seem just WAY too complicated. Check it out! I taped it and right now I'm watching them make a strawberry poke cake and all I have to say is yummmmy! Have a wonderful day! ~Farrah |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
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Autumn Cheesecake Pie
8 servings
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, divided 3 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Combine cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar. Beat at medium speed until smooth. Beat in egg just until combined; pour filling into the baked crust. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples and remaining pecans. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Let cool, then chill cake overnight before serving. Enjoy! Recipe courtesy of www.heritageschoolhouse.blogspot.com
I made this recipe from Mrs. H yesterday. Tonight my guys ate it and said it was way too good. For the crust I just used a plain graham cracker crust premade from the grocery store. It was still deelish! I also recommend from Mrs. H her Sausage Muffins recipe. It was a hit with pumpkin butter.
Blessings dear friends!
~Farrah
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Posted in Christian living
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Our little boy would have been 4 years old today. I have spoken in the past about our son Nathaniel Blake. He was a 35 week stillborn precious angel. I decided not to put his picture here because I don't want anyone to feel bad. Someday maybe I will, but this is a picture of his grave. It is a sweet plaque. It has a teddy bear says playing in God's Garden, his birthdate, and says beloved son and brother. There was a blood clot on Nathaniel's side of the placenta. It turns out he had my blood clotting disorder. All he needed was a baby asprin and he would have survived, which is the most difficult part. Still to this day I kick myself for not forcing the doctors to take him out sooner, but there is nothing to be done now. I just know that when my husband and I get to heaven our little boy will be there waiting for us. I often wonder what he would be interested in right now. When Bryson was 4 he was in the midst of Thomas the tank engine mania. Would Nathan talk? He looked most like me when he was born, would he still? Would Nick pick on him as he does Bryson? What would be his favorite foods? I could go on and on. Still, I'll never know, but God has his reasons. When I first lost him I was told over and over that at least we know he is in heaven. For so long that was the worst thing I could hear. I didn't want Nathan in heaven. I wanted him with me, so selfishly. Now, I am so thankful he is in heaven and since I am a born again christian through God's forgiving grace we will be reunited at some time. ~Farrah |
Posted in Healthy Living
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Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano I have to conclude this book today because it is due back to the library today (a major "green" thing to do). I will give her final 5 points that you can do today for each of the remaining chapters. I highly encourage you to get Mrs. Uliano's book and/or check out her website at www.gorgeouslygreen.com. To "green" your palace: 1. Buy at least two compact fluorescent lightbulbs and install them. 2. Buy at least one new houseplant (maybe an English Ivy). 3. Take action to reduce your junk mail. 4. Call up 1-800-CLEANUP to see which number plastics your municipality accepts. 5. Give a eco-friendly gift for your next party. To "green" your pantry: 1. Make a Gorgeously Green breakfast smoothie (recipe found at www.gorgeouslygreen.com Password: Yummy). 2. Download the "Best" and "Worst" produce lists and stick them on your fridge. 3. Download the :Best Choices" list for your fish and stick it on your fridge. 4. Get online and find your nearest farmer's market or have your own garden. 5. Try three new organic foods this week.. To "green" your out and about: 1. Check the tire pressure on your car. 2. Carpool at least once this week. 3. Fill your gas tank at night. 4. Make a short call before making a long trip. 5. Send an e-card. To go "supergreen": 1. Participate in a carbon-offset program (if you are planning to fly). 2. Log onto Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org) and sign a petition. 3. Check out the NRDC website (www.nrdc.org/greensquad) and send a friend one of their postcards. 4. Buy a tree and dedicate it to someone you love (www.treepeople.org). 5. Take the checklists on page 278 into your office/school. (check out her website) G- Green date- Take yourself on a weekly green date. Find a way to connect with nature. O- Organize your day so that you will take fewer trips. Carpool, bicycle, or take public transport. R- Recycle absolutely everything. G-Grab your reusable shopping tote, coffee mug, and water bottle whenever you go out. E- Encourage all your girlfriends to become Gorgeously Green. O-Organic whenever possible. U-Use nontoxic cleaning and beauty products. S-Shop online, as it saves fossil fuel. L-Lower your energy consumption by flicking off light switches and appliances. Y-Yoga every day G-Generate demand for earth friendly products by voting with your dollars. R-Reuse as many items as possible. E-Eliminate as much was as you can. E-Enjoy your new sense of purpose in life. N-Nurture yourself and your planet with nothing but the best. ***I want to say that I do not agree 100% with everything in this book. I feel the same way about this book as I did about Al Gore's nobel peace prize for his An Inconvenient Truth propaganda. In ANY way, that is moral, you can get the word out to help be good stewards of our Earth you should. It is important for us to take care of what God has entrusted to us. All of these are just tips, but you do what you can. Blessings, ~Farrah Remember: EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY!!! |
Posted in Healthy Living
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I apologize for my delay in posting this series. First, I want to remind everyone why we are learning to live "green". The MOST important reason to live "green" is that we are to be good stewards of God's earth. Just as we are to be good stewards of God's money, we should also make sure we care for, protect, and use wisely our wonderful planet. Next, we need to make sure that our childrens, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc, lives are not incredibly toxic. I would feel horrible if my use of chemicals, water, and electricity were to harm them in any way. Also, we should live "green" because of it's frugality. If we drive a hybrid car we spend less on fuel (which we are running out of, its causing wars, and we are in debt up to our ears as a nation to use). If we line dry our clothes we do not use electricity or fuel. If we recycle, we do not have to pay so much for waste management. And so on. Now, for lesson number 3 let's talk about shopping!!! It's fun, and to me a great stress reliever, but not good for our environment. Do we really need all of this stuff? My #1 advice about this is to not ever allow your child in front of the Disney channel or in Target/Walmart. That's where the consumption begins. The Dad just HAS to have his big tv/power tool/golf club. The Mom just HAS to have a new pair of shoes to go with the new outfit or the latest electrical appliance. Junior just HAS to have the latest video game (BIG issue in this household). Patsy just HAS to have the newest Barbie. Of course little baby has to have new toys for stimulation and the latest port-a-crib. CONSUME, CONSUME, CONSUME, why? So what can you do. First, put something on hold. Think about it and if you're still in the area then go back and get it if it's absolutely necessary. Another thing you can do is shop online. You can order it, try it out, and then if it isn't going to change your life completely then send it back. Remember the 3 R's of "green" living: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle In my household, when I buy clothes I am trying to buy organic clothes, which are more expensive, but worth the expense. Why? 1) Most are American made and I know that I am not giving money to foreign soil 2)the chemicals do not harm our skin, 3) the chemicals are not used to make the clothing pollute the earth, and 4) No sweatshops are being used in making these garments. "For the latest eco-licious style tips and fashion trends, visit www.gorgeouslygreen.com. Simply type the password Knockout into the search bar." My personal favorite is www.hannaandersson.com. Of course the best way to shop for clothing and home items is through getting items in yard sales and thrift stores both economically and environmentally because nothing is having to be produced. For grocery shopping remember to shop around the perimeter of the store only, purchase large amounts and then decant in smaller containers when you get home, use bulk food bins, choose organic, ask friends if there's anything you can get for them (as long as they live nearby), always bring reusable totes and BPA-free plastic containers for deli items. Your 5 things to do today to help you live Gorgeously Green: 1. Visit your local thrift store and buy at least 1 item to wear. 2. Buy, or make, a reusable shopping tote. 3. Buy a stainless steel water bottle and coffee cup. 4. Buy an organic T-shirt (Whole Foods has 1 that I love on buying locally foods) 5. Find a local eco-friendly dry/wet cleaner. |
Posted in Homemaking
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Photo courtesy of www.allposters.com As a Christian wife and homemaker I think it is important to learn as much as possible on being the best we can be. Sorry Nick (he wants to be a Marine, so, Semper Fi)! Anyway, a few of my newest favorite sites are: www.thepioneerwoman.com about a city gal who married her Marlboro Man. She has beautiful photographs and yummy recipes. I'm not sure if you know, but Mrs. Wilt has moved her blog (I used to have a link on my sidebar). Her new blog is www.the-sparrows-nest.blogspot.com. Over at the www.frugalgranola.com she has good Nourishing Traditions typed recipes and ideas. Mrs. Sherman, aka Lady Lydia, from www.homeliving.blogspot.com has a new website featuring beautiful pictures that you can order or use on your blog www.lovelywhatevers.blogspot.com. A cute blog is called www.warmpiehappyhome.blogspot.com. I have not spent much time on that site though, but I adore the recipes, songs, and aprons. Some of my favorites that I have shared before are: www.pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com, www.proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com, www.intheclotheslinealley.blogspot.com (she really needs your prayers-her husband was recently deployed for a year and she just found out she has MS), www.thebarefootmama.com, www.passionatehomemaking.com, and www.keeperofthehome.org. I do not get to check these blogs all of the time, but they are all fun. I hope to get my next installment of Gorgeously Green up in the next day or so because I have to return it to the library next week. Have a blessed day. ~Farrah |
Posted in Family Life
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photo courtesy of www.allposters.com Yesterday I stopped by the local produce stand and got some beautiful corn, 3 bright red tomatoes, some peaches, and 2 pints of blackberries. When I got home and was about to wash and put them into a different container my son noticed something, a 1" skinny worm in the blackberries!!! I went on ahead and washed them, but neither of the kids would eat them thinking they would get ring worm, haha. Then today Nick was eating a peach and he saw a little white worm down at the pit! He said I know its healthy to have fresh fruits and veggies, but do they have to be this fresh?! Have a blessed day. ~Farrah |
Posted in Healthy Living
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Last time we talked about the ingredients in your cosmetics that were harmful. I gave you a link for a cheat sheet on which products you should use. I forgot to give you the final 5 things that you can do for your beauty routine: 1. Order one new personal care product from the links she gives you. 2. Throw away all bottles containing ingredients from the "Red Alert" list. 3. Check the ingredients in your hair dye. 4. Buy a bottle of nontoxic nail polish. (My fave is Loreal) 5. Buy some organic tampons, diva cup, or make your own pads. This time we are going to talk about your Green temple-your body. As you know your body is your temple. You only have one so you've got to treat it with love. It isn't necessary to be healthy to run yourself ragged at the gym. There are only 3 things needed to get into great shape: 1) Flexibility (yoga), 2) Aerobics (swimming or walking), 3) Weight-bearing exercise to combat osteoporosis. In the book Gorgeoulsy Green Mrs. Uliano shows poses for yoga, lunges, crunches, and kitchen exercises. She recommends walking/swimming 3 times per week. You can also be green and bicycle for your errands instead of using a car if you live in the city. Another thing Mrs. Uliano stresses is hydration. She recommends tap, but I recommend reverse osmosis through the tap. Make sure to use a reusable water bottle instead of all the plastic. I love my new stainless steel water bottle from www.laptoplunches.com. It keeps the water really cool and in this heat that's a necessity. She recommends meditation. I recommend praying. Spend time each morning with your Creator and that will make you feel connected. Also, start a journal, to share your thoughts. Sometimes writing helps you relieve whatever stress you are feeling. Stress kills ya know. The 5 things to remember/do for taking care of your temple are: 1) Learn the yoga practice 2) Take a thirty-minute fast-paced walk three times this week 3) Park farther away from the entrance to the store, or bicycle 4) Practice the abdominal exercises at least twice 5) Meditate/pray for five minutes. I hope to have part 3 tomorrow on SHOPPING!!! Have a blessed day. ~Farrah |
Posted in Healthy Living
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I mentioned yesterday that I am reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. I am half-way through this book and find it so fascinating. Most people believe that to go "green" you have to wear birkenstocks, grow your underarm hair, and eat twigs. Mrs. Uliano proves this theory wrong. She has 8 steps to living an Earth-Friendly (hate that word) life. I'm going to go through a few steps. The first is just becoming aware that everything you do impacts our environment in some way. Boring. The 2nd step is to use healthy, environmental/organic beauty products. Fun. First of all, pull out your make-up, shampoos, conditioners, body lotion, baby supplies, anything that you smooth on your body. Look on the packages for these ingredients that The Environmental Working Group says is dangerous: 1. Coal tar: Used in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams, coal tar is a known carcinogen. Coal tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, which are used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green3, which is used in mouthwash, should be avoided. 2. Fragrance: This ubiquitous term is used to mask hundreds of ingredients, including phthalates, which disrupt the endocrine system and could cause reporductive and developmental harm. 3. Hydroquinone: Commonly found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, it is a neurotoxin and is allergenic. 4. Aluminum: Often used in eye shadow as a color additive and also used in deodorants, it is listed as a carcinognic, toxic, and mutagenic. 5. Triclosan: This chimical is used in almost all antibacterial products, including soap, toothpaste, and cosmetics. Triclosan is often contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic and can also weaken your immune system, decrease fertility, and cause birth defects. 6. P-Phenylenediamine: This is the chemical that has given a bad name to regular hair dye. It can damage your nervous system, cause lung irritation, and cause severe allergic reactions. It's also listed as ,4-Benzenediamine; p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine. 7. Lead and Mercury: Lead could appear in toothpaste as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica. It is a neurotoxin that also appears as lead acetate in men's hair dye. Mercury is found in a cosmetic (and vaccine) called thimerosol. Some other chemicals that are bad, but not extremely dangerous are: Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Polyethylene Glycol, Formaldehyde Producing Preservatives, Talc, Acrylates and Methacrylates, Alcohol, Isopropyl, Tocopherol Acetate, Phenonip, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Cationic Surfectants, Benzyl Alcohol, Silicone Derived Emollients, Carbomber 934, 940, 941, 960, 961C To find out if a certain cosmetic is safe go onto www.safecosmetics.org. For a list of Gorgeously Green approved products go onto www.gorgeouslygreen.com/cheatsheet. I will have more information in the days to come on living a gorgeous lifestyle "green". Blessings, ~Farrah |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
Quinoa and Black BeansINGREDIENTS
![]() DIRECTIONS
This was a huge hit with my husband this past week. My kids thought it was a bit too spicy, but I think it may had more to do with the texture and different taste. I am needing some more recipes for beans and grains. What do y'all recommend? Have a great weekend all! Blessings, ~Farrah |
Posted in Menus and Recipes
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Graphic courtesy of www.allposters.com Country Fried Steak 1/3C all-purpose (unbleached and unenriched) flour 1/4tsp each salt & pepper 1 1/2lbs cubed steak 1/4C canola oil/vegetable 2 small onions, sliced 1C water 1. Combine first 3 ingredients; cut steak into serving-size pieces. Dredge in flour mixture. 2. Brown steak in hot oil in batches in a 10" cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Remove steak from skillet; set aside. Add onion to drippings in skillet, cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. 3. Return steak to skillet; add water, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes or until tender. Remove steak, reserving drippings in skillet. Sauce 1/4C all-purpose flour 3/4C milk 1/4C brewed coffee 2tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper 1. Add 1/4C flour to drippings in skillet, stirring until smooth. Gradually add milk and coffee; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until gravy is thickened. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. 2. Spoon sauce over steak and serve while warm. Recipe courtesy of The Southern Living Ultimate Cookbook (www.southernliving.com) ~Farrah |







This is Bryson and Skylynn at the hat race. It made me so proud seeing Bryson be the man and lead her to the finish line!














